Mercedes-Benz makes the best van for upscaling
It’s no secret that upscale upfitters see the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as the gold standard for all things van conversion. It may not claim the title of ‘best-selling van’, but the Sprinter is still one of the most popular and available vans on the market, with many customization choices when ordering, as well as a reputation for quality customer service support and maintenance, borne from higher quality parts and greater overall reliability compared to segment competitors.
This example has been revamped by Midwest Automotive Designs, based in Elkhart, Indiana. The company was founded in 2000 and now specializes primarily in Sprinter van conversions. You can check out the full listing on Bring a Trailer by clicking here!
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Blue flair on a silver hull
The exterior of this Sprinter has been splashed with a pair of dark blue side stripes over the silver base coat of paint. Very long tinted windows provide excellent visibility to the rear cabin while also affording privacy. A power-extending awning sits over the passenger-side sliding door, while extended running boards make entry and exiting easier. In the back, full utility hookups for power, waste, and water, as well as a receiver hitch, are on offer. All four wheels are 16″ Alcoa aluminum ones shod with 215/85 Continental VanContact A/S tires.
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A captain needs his command center
Up front, driver and passenger seats feature both power-adjustable controls as well as built-in heating. They are made of cream-colored leather with black piping and a diamond-stitching pattern. There is a fair bit of dark grey-brown woodgrain trim on the black dash, with black also serving the door panels and carpeting.
Other appointments include heat and air conditioning, a rearview camera, and a touchscreen COMAND infotainment display that has in-built navigation. There are also features to make driving easier, including cruise control and assists for blind spot detection, hill start, driver distraction, and crosswind stabilization. The tri-spoke steering wheel is covered in black leather around the rim and features plenty of button controls to reduce driver distraction. Behind the wheel sits a gauge cluster with a 0-120 mph speedometer, a tachometer that redlines at 5,000 rpm, physical gauges for fuel and coolant, and a digital display that can be configured to show additional information.
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From captain’s chairs to captain’s lounge
The rear cabin can be accessed either by the passenger-side sliding door or the rear barn-style doors. Seating includes a second row of captain’s chairs behind the driver and front passenger, and a pair of inward-facing sofas, all done in the same beige leather with black piping and diamond stitching as up front. The space is well-lit with good overhead lighting, and privacy blinds augment the tinted windows.
Entertainment is handled by a flat-screen TV, which has both a satellite radio and a DVD player by Autopro. There’s also a kitchenette with a microwave oven, sink, and small refrigerator, powered by a Xantrex inverter, which also supplies several residential-style power outlets. There are several long panels of glossy wood trim, as well as some storage compartments.
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Reliable and ample power
Under the hood of this Sprinter sits a 3.0L (183ci) turbodiesel V6, which delivers good low-end power while also improving fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz rates this engine as having 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, a respectable amount that can get you wherever you want to go, while towing something if needed, as long as you don’t wander too far off the roads. All of that power is sent to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the chassis is supported by an independent front suspension and an aftermarket dually rear axle. For brakes, all four wheels feature discs for better handling and stopping power. The odometer reads about 25,000 miles, only 500 of which are claimed to have been put on under current ownership.
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Final thoughts: A resort you can move to anywhere
All in all, this Sprinter conversion is a well-built, luxury executive people mover, not a weekender or camper. It is a place to spend the day, not spend an overnight. That being said, what a way to spend the day! It’s a supremely comfortable ride with upgraded suspension, lounging couches, food prep and storage areas, and solid entertainment options. If you’re looking to host a party on the go or impress your friends with a night on the town, this is your ride to do so!
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